Panasonic collaborates with u-blox on RTK GNSS tablet

May 15, 2017  - By
Photo: Panasonic
The Toughpad FZ uses a u-blox NEO-M8 GNSS receiver module.

Panasonic Corporation, in collaboration with u-blox, has launched a tablet-using centimeter-level RTK GNSS technology.

Toughpad, the newly born version of Panasonic’s professional grade notebooks family, is specifically designed for precision agriculture, machine control and robotic guidance applications in harsh environments and conditions. Embedded in the tablet is a u-blox NEO-M8 GNSS receiver module delivering high integrity and precision in demanding applications world-wide.

The Toughpad FZ uses a u-blox NEO-M8 GNSS receiver module.

The Toughpad FZ uses a u-blox NEO-M8 GNSS receiver module. Photo: Panasonic

First successfully tested for collecting snow in Hokkaido, the Toughpad tablet uses Panasonic’s own satellite positioning technology combining a satellite radio receiver module, wireless WAN, and a single band real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver connected to an external antenna. The system enables high-precision positioning down to centimeter level in open sky conditions.

“We needed a high quality, reliable and robust GNSS module for this tablet designed to be used in rugged environments,”  said Tetsuya Sakamoto, general manager, mobile solutions business division, development center at Panasonic Corporation. “The NEO-M8 from u-blox was therefore the right choice.”

“It was very exciting to collaborate with a market leader such as Panasonic in developing a product that would guarantee precise positioning for a wide range of professional applications,” said Tesshu Naka, country manager at u-blox Japan. “This implementation will support the global expansion of the high precision market where u-blox is a key player.”

Toughpad was first launched in Japan.

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